Google Wallet Hacked… Again, This Time No Root Needed

Google Wallet is in the news again and not for the right reasons. We just saw earlier how a hack was revealed for rooted phones using Google Wallet. While Google issued an immediate response on the initial findings, mobile blog TheSmartphoneChamp discovered and posted a second way of hacking into Google Wallet— this time highlighting the newfound hack will work on non-rooted phones and doesn’t even need special hacking skills. Basically all individuals have to do to access a user’s funds is clear the data in the app settings— which forces Google Wallet to prompt them to enter a new PIN. After the new PIN is entered, it’s as simple as adding a Google Prepaid Card tied to the device and then there the ability to access any available funds. It has been tested by several sources and it is indeed true. Google has confirmed the findings and even issued the following statement:

”We strongly encourage anyone who loses or wants to sell their phone to call Google Wallet support toll-free at 855-492-5538 to disable the prepaid card. We are currently working on an automated fix as well that will be available soon. We also advise all Wallet users to set up a screen lock as an additional layer of protection for their phone.”

As always everyone— take immediate precautions to ensure the safety of your device which includes having a lock screen or even installing some tracking software for your device. You can check out the video below which highlights the vulnerability.

Conceived as Spock’s 4th cousin, Roy has had quite the life. He was born in beautiful San Jose, California, raised in Los Angeles, California and now resides in the greater New York City area. He has always been fascinated and obsessed with technology, especially the continuous advancements of mobile platforms. He was a Blackberry slave since his undergrad days at the University of Southern California until realizing in Feb. 2011, there were greener pastures in the land of Android. His first Android phone was the Motorola Atrix 4G, and he hasn’t looked back. He currently works in corporate media, enjoys following media and technology trends, reading a good book, weightlifting, playing on his XBOX 360 and conversing with total strangers.

Anonymous

Yes… now I want Google wallet even more! Neil Postman would love this stuff.